Vaya Health remains committed to helping residents stay informed as the community responds to the coronavirus outbreak. Vaya Health’s 24/7 Access to Care Line is available for individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis. Vaya Health also is working closely with its providers throughout the region to ensure members get the help they need when they need it.

Anyone with a behavioral health crisis can call 1-800-849-6127, toll-free, day or night, for help from trained professionals. Call center staff are also available to provide information about local mental health, substance use and intellectual/developmental disability (IDD) services, as well as answer member questions.

Walk-in crisis centers throughout our region are open and offer same-day assessments for individuals who need immediate help. Some centers are limiting face-to-face contact and providing certain services by telephone or videoconference. The walk-in center for Polk County is Family Preservation Services at 94 White Dr. in Columbus which can be reached by calling (828) 894-2290.

The stability of Vaya Health’s provider network is key to ensuring residents continue to have access to the care they need. Vaya Health is working to establish flexibilities that promote continuity of care while protecting the health and safety of its members and providers. As the coronavirus outbreak is a rapidly changing situation, Vaya Health recommends contacting individual providers for specific questions related to changes in hours of operation and service availability.

For more information, visit vayahealth.com/coronavirus-updates. This page is frequently updated and includes prevention tips, guidance from trusted public health agencies and information for Vaya members, providers and the general public. The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services’ coronavirus response page at ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-response-north-carolina provides information on the state’s response to the pandemic. Individuals can also dial 2-1-1 or (888) 892-1162 for updates by phone or text COVIDNC to 898211 to receive updates via text message. Text COVID19PC to 888777 to receive Polk County coronavirus related updates by text.

Vaya recognizes the COVID-19 outbreak may be stressful for people and communities. For strategies to cope with anxiety and overwhelming emotions in yourself or your child, visit cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/coping.html. For more resources, visit Vaya’s page at vayahealth.com/coronavirus-updates/covid-19-mental-health-and-developmental-disability-resources/.